St. Paul: Groups call for dismantling of 'skyway to nowhere'

The "skyway to nowhere" crosses Wabasha Street in downtown St. Paul. Dave Hunt, a spokesman for the city's Public Works, said city engineers have estimated the cost of removing the bridge at $40,000. (Pioneer Press file)

The unused skyway extending over Wabasha Street from Macy's department store in downtown St. Paul has been labeled by many "the skyway to nowhere." Now, three groups are calling it an eyesore and supporting its removal.

A community group known as Wabasha Partners, the Capitol River Council/ District 17 and the Skyway Governance Committee all have expressed desire to see "Skybridge 10" removed.

"We took a formal position at our November board meeting," said Melissa Martinez-Sones, director of the Capitol River Council. "It just hangs out like a little appendage. ... Now, we just want to take it down."

Dave Hunt, a spokesman for St. Paul Public Works, said city engineers have estimated the cost of removing the bridge at $40,000.

"The problem being, we don't have the spare $40,000 to spend on it," Hunt said.

Adds Sara Swenson, spokeswoman for the city's Department of Planning and Economic Development: "There are no definitive plans to remove the 'skyway to nowhere,' at this point."

Some city officials hope taxpayers won't have to foot that bill. If a developer eventually were to purchase the Macy's building and tear it down for redevelopment, the skyway would go with it.

The city-owned bridge once connected to a building at 401-405 Wabasha St., which was demolished in 2002 and is now an Imperial Parking lot.

Macy's plans to shut down its downtown St. Paul store in March, leaving the future of the skyway uncertain.

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While the department store does not own the skyway, Macy's bears 50 percent of the responsibility for maintaining it, much as it would a sidewalk, Hunt said.

Macy's departure does not entirely end the department store's involvement downtown, as the store will continue to operate its adjoining parking ramp.